It’s not where you end up that means as much
As the road that you travel along.
And it’s not the result that counts as much
As the progress that makes you strong.
Since it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.
It’s not meeting your aim that matters as much
As the course that you take day by day.
And it’s not reaching your goal but who you touch
As you share from your heart along the way.
Because it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.
It’s not the objective that’s important to meet
As the trail’s challenge that you weather.
And it’s not making the finish but who you greet
As on the highway, you work together.
You see, it’s not the destination. . . It’s the journey.
— Arlene Alpert
Monday Motivators, it has always been my belief that we should have mountains to climb (goals to achieve). I believe that if you do not plan where you are going, you will end up where everyone else wants you to be and that may not be what you want. We should have 1, 3 and 5-year goals; career, home, personal, health, social and spiritual goals.
With all that said, I agree 100% with Arlene Alpert. What you do every single day along the way, who you touch, and how you contribute is critically important. And when you do reach the “goal,” it will be so much sweeter and fulfilling because it wasn’t just about you along the way. It’s about what you did that impacted your leader, peers, children, networks, clients, vendors, the receptionist at your doctor’s office, and your neighbor, that will leave a legacy; that will make you smile at the end of the day and be proud of the wonderful person you are and meant to be.
There are people who have achieved great goals and they are empty inside. This week, see how many people you can touch because you have dreams and you want to climb mountains.
This blog is from our Monday Motivators and is part of our 2017 Blog-A-Thon. Please leave a comment or share the blog for your chance to win one of our amazing giveaways! The more blogs you comment on and share, the more chances you have to win. If you’d like to learn more about our Blog-A-Thon you can do so here. Hint: Subscribe to our blog in the upper right-hand corner so you never miss a blog.
30 thoughts on “It’s Not the Destination . . . It’s the Journey”
This is a great reminder not only to set goals, no matter how small or big, but to remember that what you do every day, can affect those around you.
This was wonderful! I especially loved, “it’s not reaching your goal but who you touch
As you share from your heart along the way.” That is so true. You never know who you will meet along the way, or how something simple as a “Hello” can change someone’s day. Thank you, Joan!
Like it. Make each day count on your journey through life.
If u won’t enjoy your journey it would feel like you just wasted the time. So enjoy during your journeys . Yes its true all have their goals in life but yet its important to enjoy the journey before reaching to your goals. Because ‘goal is without a journey’ is like a ‘tea without a sugar’. Never the less its a great blog I’m sharing it with my Coursework club writing help colleagues.
Thank you Clinton for your thoughts. Glad you agree.
If u won’t enjoy your journey it would feel like you just wasted the time. So enjoy during your journeys . Yes its true all have their goals in life but yet its important to enjoy the journey before reaching to your goals. Because ‘goal is without a journey’ is like a ‘tea without a sugar’. Never the less its a great blog I’m sharing it with my Coursework club writing services colleagues.
I have always liked the story about how it is the dash (on your memorial) that counts… not the start or end date. It is the experiences, and the people we share them with, that really make up life.
Excellent. Sometimes I am so rushed, I do forget to enjoy the journey. Thanks.
The simplest of gestures or efforts can mean the world to someone=you never know until you make that little bit of effort.
So true! Great Monday motivator!! I really needed to hear this.
Love this and totally believe it.
Thank you.
It is so easy to just drift through life without specific goals. I’m as guilty of that as anyone – those “someday” goals are much easier to push to the side. They also don’t have teeth without accountability – to your boss, your family or (most importantly) to yourself. Thank you for the reminder that while life is a journey, we need to have mileposts we’re striving for along the way.
Thank you, Joan, for bringing us alongside you on your journey and encouraging us to have a journey of our own!
Thanks for sharing! I strive everyday to help at least 1 person. My day is not complete until I have accomplished that goal. This is very encouraging and it makes me want to set my goal higher.
I am definitely guilty of not looking at what my goals mean / do for others. I am on a personal fitness/health journey and all along I’ve talked about it being for ME and me only. I never imagined so many would be watching and cheering me on, and now asking for advice. I have a long way to go, but I’m learning every day that even though it’s about me and I’m doing the work, other folks are being impacted as well. (My trainer tells me when they can’t!) Thanks for the reminder to look at other areas of my life, too, and realize we are all in this together.
Love this.
This poem is well said. I love the thoughts presented in it.
Love this!
I love this! Although I have set goals to meet, I completely agree that the journey is so important. The folks I come in contact with all year may not remember if I reached my goals or not, but they will remember how I treated them along the way!
It isn’t necessarily about the journey either. It is about the transformation you make along the way!
Life is truly a journey; not a destination.
Good Morning and a Marvelous Monday to All!
Joan, thank you for the continued inspiration.
You must know that you are the difference in many of our lives on a daily basis.
It is the journey that you have decided many years ago to take us on.
Thank you and God Bless.
I really, really like this! It is very impactful. I have seen a shortened version of this before, but this is even better! Thank you for sharing!
This is exactly what I needed this Monday after an amazing week completing the WCA program. Thank you!
If nothing is learned along the journey to the goal, it would feel like wasted time. In my opinion, the journey is what provides the most personal growth and then deeper satisfaction. What a great thought to start out on a Monday morning.
I’ve never really looked at how my goals impacted others along the way – it’s always been “keep the end in mind” sort of viewpoint. After reading this, I can see why, at times, when I’ve reached a goal, I feel like “Is this it? Is this all there is?”
Very insightful.
It’s refreshing to run into someone who cares about more than just getting it done. Thanks for the reminder to be that person myself.
Great post for a Monday. Thank Joan.
Thanks for this encouraging post!
Fantastic article. Perspective and perception is key. Printing so that I can glance at whenever needed. Thank you for sending!